NDP 2017 – One Nation Together…We Celebrate!

Whether you are watching the National Day Parade onsite (at the Float) or offsite (at home, at a community center, at a shopping mall offering LIVE telecast or at the Marina Bay vicinity), we provide tips and highlights in chronological order so that everyone can truly celebrate this NDP as one nation on 9 August 2017. The SG52 NDP is truly action-packed and not to be missed!

We were so exhilarated after experiencing the exuberance of NDP 2017 Preview that we write this post to serve as a guide to encourage more people to join-in the celebration this Wed!

Tips and Highlights:

Onsite tips: Tips for you if you are on the Marina Floating Platform.
Offsite tips: Tips for you if you are catching the NDP in/around the Marina bay area and everywhere else.

Before 4:00pm

Offsite Tips:

– The 3 ‘F’s :Plan to get to a screen somewhere, whether at home or at a nearby Community Club, Shopping mall…find out where will be the LIVE screening of NDP, gather the ‘3Fs – Family, Friends and Food’ to make the celebration more meaningful.
– For e.g. Clementi Community Center is airing the NDP LIVE for its residents. To find out if your CC is airing the NDP LIVE, go to your CC’s FB site to find out! Locate your CC here.

Onsite Tips:

– If you hold tickets to watch the parade on the Floating Platform, decide if you want to go via public transport or by car.
– Driving: If you are driving, do note that major roads around Marina Bay will be closed till 10.30pm. The parade ends by 9pm.
– We recommend the use of public transport. Here’s the link to the National Day Traffic Advisory.
– We discovered that you can park at Tanjung Pagar Center (TPC) – where parking is relatively cheap (S$2.50 per entry charge on weekends, redeemable with every SGD30 purchase). TPC is located directly above the Tanjong Pagar MRT, with lots of great F&B options so you can have a quick bite or pack some food before heading to the parade. Visit the Tanjong Pagar Centre’s website for more info.

– Pack light: Expect security to be very tight, i.e. airport style security. You do not need to bring much because you’ll be given a pretty good NDP Funpack with lots of goodies inside including drinks and poncho.
– Bring along sunblock and umbrella to shield from the sun. There is a sun visor inside the funpack as well.
– Bring a ‘Bino’: For those going to the float, bring binoculars along to see the action up close! It’s going to be exciting!!!
– 4pm: The entrances into the Float will open at 4pm sharp. Check your tickets for your designated entry point and reach early to join the queue. Remember that it is free seating so you’ll want the best vantage points.
– Most importantly, remember to bring along your NDP ticket. ☺
– Have fun with your NDP Funpacks! Here, we unveil the funpack for you:

4:00pm – 5:00pm

Offsite Tips:

– Gather your friends and make your way to your selected venue early to secure a good spot.
– Visit the washrooms first before you settle down at your designated venue.
– If you are at the Marina bay area, good spots to view are:
o In and around Esplanade and One Fullerton area
o Outside Marina Bay Sands (along the boardwalk)
o Marina Bay Sands Skypark
o Marina Promontory

Onsite Tips:

– Be cooperative during the security screening. The measures are there to ensure that safety is not compromised during the NDP celebration.
– Say ‘Hi’ and ‘Thank You’ to the friendly motivators, ushers and security personnel. They work really hard to ensure everything esp. human and vehicular traffic run like clockwork.
– Get to your seat fast and settle in, get acquainted with your fellow neighbours. Be friendly!

5:00pm – 6:00pm

Offsite Tips:

– Time to settle down and enjoy the picnic you’ve packed.
– Take lots of selfies and wefies wherever you are, post them up and hash tag with #onenationtogether #ndp2017 #ndp17 among others.
– If you are near a screen and can catch part of the NDP action, join in the onsite fun with the NDP sing-a-longs, Yum Seng and Singapore Wave.
– Whatever you do, be seated by 6pm as the action is about to begin.

Onsite Tips:

– Get grooving with the pre-parade show as the MCs and artistes onstage start the event by getting everyone on their feet!
– Be prepared for the Singapore Wave and practice your Yum Seng (Cheers) to Singapore!
– Take lots of selfies and wefies, post them up and hash tag with #onenationtogether #ndp2017 #ndp17
– Prepare your camera for an action packed time!

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Onsite / Offsite Highlights and Tips: Action packed…everywhere!!

As part of commemorating NS50 (50 years of National Service), there’s lots of action everywhere – on land, on the ‘sea’ and up in the sky!
– At 6pm…look out for the Red Lions! Strain your neck skywards and peel your eyes towards the sky. It’s worth the excitement!
– After the Red Lions, expect the Air Force to perform the Double Shackle ‘Criss-Cross’ Flypast. Cupped those ears but keep those eyes open…skywards!

– Dynamic Defence Display (D3) Part 1: Returning after a 2-year hiatus, the military flexes their might here. Expect Apaches to hover past and even the Chinook as Naval drivers are dropped. The divers reappear on the float a short while later to ‘help’ in protecting the site.

– Get wet! Those offsite in and around Esplanade and Merlion, if you’re close to the Chinook, be prepared to be sprayed by the downwash!
– Young kids: Young kids may be startled by loud sounds of jets and helicopters flying past. However if they love those actions, they would be in for a real treat as part of the nation’s commemoration of NS50.
– For those at home, you’ll have the advantage of seeing the action ‘up close’ as we expect the TV crew to broadcast the footage up close!

7:00pm – 7:30pm

Onsite / Offsite Highlights and Tips: Lights, Camera…and MORE Action!

– State Flag Flypast: This is a major highlight of NDP. If you’re onsite, look towards your right at Victoria Concert Hall, the sight of the Chinook carrying the state flag flanked by two Apaches when the whole gallery sings the National Anthem is always moving.

– Bomb Burst: The RSAF, forms a 5-plane formation with two piloted by full-time NS pilots will add their fine touches to the parade with the Bomb Burst. The last time this was featured was during SG50 NDP Celebration.

– 21 Guns Salute: Another highlight of NDP. If you’re onsite with young kids, you may want to shield their ears as it can be very loud.

– Dynamic Defence Display (D3) Part 2. The excitement continues as the SCDF and Home team shows their equipment and ability to protect and secure Singaporeans from dangers and terrorist threats. Expect gunshot sounds, controlled explosion etc…lots of action…even from the water!

– Dazzling Performances: Be dazzled by the lights, choreography and costumes in the mass performances as this year there are some new and exciting additions (first time ever in NDP) such as the Aerial System used to hoist performers into the air (use your binoculars!) and with the revolving stage, it promises to bring a new level of dynamism.

– Connectedness and Inclusiveness: Among others, watch out for ‘legends’ and ‘icons’ from our senior community such as veteran DJ, Brian Richmond, legendary Indian dancer, Shanta Bashka, iconic Malay singer, Rahimah Rahim and rockin’ Grandma Mary who plays a mean rock guitar! Make sure you shout and holler to encourage them! Truly, this is one NDP that brings everyone, young and old together!

8:00pm – 8:30pm

Onsite / Offsite Highlights and Tips: Not your usual Finale

– The Drones! – This to me is one of the best highlights of the night! Onsite – cast your eyes towards the UOE / Clifford Pier area around 8pm. Three hundred drones performing in this segment showcasing icons familiar to Singapore. This first time mass drones display is truly amazing. Not to be missed!

A video snippet of the NDP 2017 Drones Segment:

– Two-part Fireworks: A fitting end to celebrate our tiny nation’s 52nd birthday. The fireworks display comes in two parts. The longest part is right at the end of the parade’s show component while the last part is right after the singing of the National Anthem. So do tarry a while longer for the 2nd part to enjoy a complete fireworks experience!

A video snippet of NDP 2017 Fireworks:

– The people: The biggest highlight to me of every NDP celebration will always be her people. Everyone united in celebrating the success of our nation, pledging to uphold our meritocracy and democracy and moving forward to build a more united Singapore, strong and free. Majulah Singapura!

Do pop by our Instagram accounts @lifestinymiracles and @doting_dad for more NDP photos and video blurbs!

So many tips to enjoy the different elements of NDP, on-site or off. Great photos to highlights what we can expect from the show. Thanks for putting in the efforts to think it through for our enjoyment.

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Formerly 'PrincessDanaDiaries', we renamed the blog with the addition of our baby boy. 'Life's Tiny Miracles' is a collection of our thoughts and reflections about parenthood. It also documents the beautiful and trying moments of everyday life - family, friendship, faith, food, travels, books and all other experiences that shape us, delight us, and help us appreciate life's tiny miracles.